Delinquency Theory and Recent Research

Abstract

An examination of empirical evidence relating to current theory on delinquency raises three fundamental questions. First, studies of undetected delinquency suggest that the inverse rela tionship between social class and violation of the law may be less potent than current theory implies. Comprehensive study of delinquent behavior within as well as between classes is needed. Second, whether delinquent groups are internally cohesive, bound by ties of loyalty, permanence, and stability or whether they are held together more by external pressures is an open question. Further studies on group cohesiveness are needed because of their obvious relevance to inquiries having to do both with causation and with control. Finally, studies have not revealed the kinds of singularly-focused delinquent subcultures which have been hypothesized, raising the question as to whether delinquent subculture is oppositional in character, unique and autonomous, or part of a more amorphous and widespread tradition of deviance. Some of these questions cannot be an- Second, whether delinquent groups are internally cohesive, tion on a broad cross-section of adolescents and of determining the effects of official identification and processing on the official picture of delinquency presented.